Answered5 years ago
When does the 72-hour countdown for PCR tests start for travel to Thailand: from swab or results?
Hi People,
this might be relevant to some of you!
As I understand PCR Tests, taken in the UK and a few other countries, are starting the count down of validity by getting the results!
In Germany however the count down of 72 hrs starts the moment the swab is taken and NOT the results being given!
So, please beware!!!
I have to take two tests. One today, which was too early and left me 75€ out of my pocket, and one tomorrow evening which is within the 72 hrs window. Results will be sent by mail 24 hrs after the swab!
this might be relevant to some of you!
As I understand PCR Tests, taken in the UK and a few other countries, are starting the count down of validity by getting the results!
In Germany however the count down of 72 hrs starts the moment the swab is taken and NOT the results being given!
So, please beware!!!
I have to take two tests. One today, which was too early and left me 75€ out of my pocket, and one tomorrow evening which is within the 72 hrs window. Results will be sent by mail 24 hrs after the swab!
Answer summary
The conversation revolves around the validity of PCR test results for travelers going to Thailand. A user highlights differing rules between countries: in Germany, the 72-hour countdown starts when the swab is taken, while in the UK, it starts from the time the test results are received. Several commenters weigh in, confirming their understanding that many countries—including those related to the Thai embassy—often consider the result time instead. There's an ongoing debate and confusion about which timing applies to entering Thailand.
23 repliesnewest first
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Terary **********
So for going to Thailand. Does the clock start when they take the swab or when you get the results?
Lisa ********************
Results are unusually emailed.
Jenni ******
Is the travel pcr test not a determination as to whether or not your allowed to board the plane ?
Felix *******
I always understood that as time test is taken. No medical sense to count from result. Since that is allowing a loophole of enabling false state of one’s covid status at the time of travel. I always try to get test taken within 24 before boarding plane and 48 hours before arrival to destination airport. In my opinion, 72 is a full 3 days before travelling and can end up being 4-5 days when I arrive at destination. I don’t like that gap personally
Jared **********
@Felix ******
there’s nothing to “understood”, it’s not from when the test is taken, the Thai embassy sites tell you exactly what the rule is, which every one I’ve looked at says result not time of the test. But that’s for Thailand, some places require test and results within 72, or 96.Felix *******
@Jared *********
in that case, travelers would have to really double check and confirm with the embassy, travel agents, and other travelers to really get an accurate answer. Good point you raised here. CheersJared **********
@Felix ******
I would say it’s better to only confirm with the actual embassy of where you are going, agents and other travels are a gamble of information.
Brian ********
The clock starts when your test results are known I'm from the UK 🇬🇧
Jared **********
@Brian *******
while I think that’s the case I went to look to make sure nothing had changed and it looks like there’s a typo “test result tested” doesn’t even make any sense, and looking at a couple other countries they still all say from the result. This is off the London thai site
Jared **********
Last year when this was a huge debate I looked at a half dozen countries thai embassy websites and they all said from the results, that was a year ago and while it’s possible they changed I don’t think some would be from the swab and some would be from the result when the destination is the same.
I just looked at the Thai embassy site for Frankfurt and it says it’s 72 hours from the result, you got a source for where it says 72 hours from swab?
I just looked at the Thai embassy site for Frankfurt and it says it’s 72 hours from the result, you got a source for where it says 72 hours from swab?
Оливер *********
OP@Jared *********
the testing station said this and a friend who owns a travel agency!Jared **********
@Оливер ********
soo you think they are correct instead of what’s on the Royal Thai embassy page for entry requirements to Thailand?Every Thai embassy page I’ve ever seen says results and Germany is no different.
Kind of questionable to be a travel agency and giving out incorrect information 🤷♂️
Оливер *********
OPAnd... The results they send you state the exact time and date of the swab. No other date on it!
Jared **********
@Adam *******
it clearly says TEST RESULTS, not test. My Covid test was almost 90 hours before my beginning departure flight, maybe English isn’t your first language?Adam ********
@Jared *********
the pcr test is to be done within 72 hours of departure, I know the rules like you said there on the embassy website, maybe go have a look. your 4 day old pcr test did it include time difference. Because the entry requirement is 72 hours before departureJared **********
@Adam *******
sorry but as far thailand is concerned and it’s entry requirements you are wrong. I came on a 4 day old test because it satisfied the entry requirements
Also they got rid of the fit to fly months ago
Go look for yourself on an embassy website for entry requirements 🤷♂️
Adam ********
@Jared *********
the date of the swab goes on the fit to fly certificate and is used for entry in to a country because believe it or not the time the swab went up your nose is the the time they are testing you for Covid-19. When the swab results come back there not testing you for Covid-19 then are they.Jared **********
@Оливер ********
so that testing company might say from the swab because they do not offer a time when you receive the results, which seems quite strange, the dozen or so Covid tests I’ve taken all had at least test taken and results given, hell I even had a test give me 4 different times. Still doesn’t change that the requirement for Thailand is 72 hours from result
Also if you don’t know it’s a good idea to ask for what the Covid test result sheet looks like to make sure it gives you everything you need.
Gary **********
Why bother going at this time it could all be in vain if you are positive when land in Thailand. Then of to hospital for 10 days ....I lived there for over 10 years great place to live but untill all this nonsense is over I'll wait to get back ....
Lynnette *******
As far as I know in uk its always been from date/time swab taken. And results can be returned quickly depending on which company you use.
Adam ********
@Lynnette ******
same as you I thought the 72hrs starts from when they swab youLynnette *******
@Adam *******
it says the "test" 72 hours before travel. It doesn't say "test results" 72 hours before.Activity
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